Philips Senseo Black Reviews

PHILLIPS SENSEO COFFEE MACHINE

I can't get by without my coffee, in fact I'd go as far as to say I am a complete coffee addict.
I like my coffee often, unsweetened, black and strong.

Over the last 35 years I have owned many different types of coffee machines, but my favourite is the one that I have owned for the last seven years.

I have suffered the stewed coffee from filter machines, had th all singing and dancing machines that froth the milk etc, the expresso machines that you use on the top of the oven - but all come a poor second to this machine.
I find that with this machine I get decent coffee without any mess, no coffee grounds everywhere and no jug of coffee sitting stewing.

This is the Senseo coffee Machine that is manufactured by Phillips with an input from the coffee makers, Douwe Egberts; it comes in several different formats -four varieties of the machine - black plastic, white plastic, blue plastic, brushed anodized aluminium finish and a latte making machine; my machine, and the one that I am reviewing is the Senseo Black.

This machine not only looks good in the kitchen but is also is incredibly easy to use, easy to clean and - naturally the most important - a perfect cup of coffee every time, quickly and efficiently just at the touch of a button.

THE MACHINE ITSELF

The machine is a simple and stylish looking piece of kitchen equipment that consists of the machine itself which hold a water reservoir that fits into the back and holds 750mls of water (enough water for five small cups of coffee), a removable drip tray and two pod holders for one cup or two cups - that is it, no complicated attachments or nozzles needed.

The Senseo coffee maker, with its 1450-watt boiler, is a relatively small appliance and does not take up a lot of room in the kitchen.
It stands 12" tall with a base that measures 10" by 8", it is modern and stylish and looks good in any kitchen.

USING THE MACHINE

The Senseo comes with a detachable water tank, instructions, a two year guarantee, two pod holders and a pack of Senseo coffee pods.

Before use you simply need to fill the reservoir with water and let it heat up and empty it before starting to make your coffee for the first time.

To make your first cup of delicious Senseo coffee, fill the detachable water tank with cold water and slot it onto the back of the machine. You use either the one or two pod holder, depending on how many cups you are making and place the coffee pod in the holder.
Then simply close the lid, and press the large central button to start heating the water - while the water is heating the light flashes ( it takes about 30 seconds to heat up) and then you press the one or two cup button.
When the water is heated the coffee comes down a chute with two holes - the holes are close enough together that you can direct them both into one cup, but far enough apart that you can put a separate cup under each hole. So you use one bag and one cup, or two bags and two cups - I have found it difficult at times to difficult find the correct size of cup so that two fit comfortably on the tray; there are now though special Senseo glass mugs available although I have not bought any, I have found some nice china one's that fit well.

The Senseo ensures that the water is always the correct temperature and that it filters quickly and evenly through the pods giving a perfect cup of fresh, dark, creamy coffee in one minute or less.

THE COFFEE PODS

Douwe Egberts produce the coffee that goes into the pods; these pods take the quess work out of how much coffee to use, as there is the perfect amount of the good quality in each pod. They come in various blends and types , including dark roast, medium roast, decaffeinated, Sumatra blend, Kenya blend, Brazil blend - these are all single pods or classic and dark roast mug or two cup pods and also a cappuccino - which include pods and sachets.
My favourite pods are the dark roast ones and they produce a lovely dark and aromatic coffee with a great crema layer on the top.
If I am making coffee for people who prefer it white I heat the milk up in the microwave as it can be quite cool with cold milk added.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE MACHINE

The Senseo machine is very easy to look after and clean.
The only parts of the machine that needs cleaning are the coffee pod holder, the drip tray and cover. All parts of the machine are dish washer safe.
I recomend that you give the pod holders a good clean weekly so that the tiny filter holes are not blocked.
The rest of the machine only needs wiping over from time to time with a damp cloth .

COST AND AVAILABILTY

The Senseo machine costs £ 48.89 at the moment from Argos, £49.99 from Sainsbury's - it is worth looking at the likes of Amazon as it can be found cheaper at times.

The pods come in bags of 18 single or 20 mug sized ( or two cup) costing £2.79 and £3.79. But the machine will take any 62mm paper pod, and there are plenty to choose from on the internet. Lidle also sell some coffee pods that fit at t a much reduced price.
Most supermarkets usually only stock the basic range of Senseo and Kenco pods. I have tried the Kenco pods, but prefer the taste of Senseo.
I also bought eco pods off E-Baywhich were £2.99 for two. These are plastic pods that you fill with ground coffee of your choice. I was pleased to find these as they are both economically and environmental good and also I can use my own beand and grind them.

IN CONSEQUENCE

If you want a good, quick and easy way to get a freshly brewed cup of delicious coffee at the press of a button, without a lot of fuss and without a lot of cleaning up afterwards, you won't be disappointed with the Phillips Senseo.